What's in the Background, Bing and Dean?

Dean Martin and Bing Crosby Prepare for Television; 1958

This "Weird Wednesday" I thought I'd highlight two of my favorite singers - Dean Martin and Bing Crosby.  How cool is it that society was so non-litigious we were as a society that there is clearly photographic evidence of Bing and Dean smoking, in front of a no smoking sign, and it was no big deal?  I wish we could go back to that time.

Dean Martin Beats the Heat

Stars at Home

Dean Martin - 1958

Dean and his Brood; 1958

Martin Family Boxing Match; 1958

Martin Family Feats of Strength; 1958

Dino Hits the Hay; 1958

Dewey Looks for Greener Pastures

Dewey Martin

Dewey Martin

Is expected to file for divorce soon, and that’s a pity.  He and his wife went through some mighty lean years together.  Now that his career is clicking, his marriage seems to be doing just exactly the opposite.  The price of fame can be high.

[Source: Movieland; February 1955]

Dewey Martin and Peggy Lee

I assume Movieland is referring to his first wife Margaret Ann Havelhurst.  I cannot find any marriage dates for the two.  Martin was also married to singer Peggy Lee from 1956-1958.  

Ethel Merman - Housewife?

Ethel Merman

Ethal Merman and Irving Berlin; 1950

Who is Miss Broadway Musical in person, is deserting the stage to devote her time exclusively to television and motion pictures.  Between jobs you can just call her madam.  She’ll live with her husband in a twenty-seven-room house on a six-acre estate near Denver, Colorado.

[Source: Movieland; February 1955]

Ethel Merman and Irving Berlin; 1950

The husband Movieland refers to was Ethel's husband number three, Robert Six, president of Continental Airlines.  They were married from 1953 to 1960.  According to several sources, Six was upset that Ethel was satisfied just to be a housewife.  He expected her appearances to be free publicity and good will for Continental Airlines.  They would divorce following discovery of Six's affair with actress Audrey Meadows.  While it didn't work out for Six and Ethel, Audrey Meadows and Robert Six were married 25 years, from 1961 until his death in 1985.

Robert Six and Audrey Meadows Wedding; 1961

Jane Gets Stopped on her Way to Her Wedding

Jane Powell

Pat Nerney and Jane Powell

And Pat Nerney, after waiting all this while, got stopped by a cop for speeding on the way to their wedding in Ojai.  Pat explained the situation.  The cop wished them lots of luck and handed them a ticket anyhow. Jane had an interchangeable wardrobe made for her European honeymoon; so she could get all her fine feathers in two suit cases, an overnight bag, and a hat box.

[Source: Movieland; February 1955]

Pat Nerney and Jane Powell

Jane Powell and Pat Nerney were married from November 8, 1954 until 1963.  

Pat Nerney and Jane Powell

Jane has been married 5 times, currently to former child star Dickie Moore.  I find Jane's films simply delightful and it is too bad that classic movie musicals went out of style and we have been deprived of this wonderful star on screen.

Visit Deanna Durbin's House - Part 2

And now, it's back to visit with the lovely Deanna Durbin:

Gorgeous Living Room

Hear Deanna Play

Perhaps She Might Even Sing for You

Or Answer Your Fan Letter

Sorry to Bother You, I Guess it's Time to Go.
Au Revoir for Now from the Delightful Deanna Durbin.

A Visit to Deanna Durbin's House - Part 1

Welcome to Deanna Durbin's House!

The View from the Exterior is Lovely

Deanna Humbly Welcomes You

Lovely Stonework

Gorgeous Archways

Embracing Statues

Fun Place to Exercise

Swing!

Cute Pool House

Large Pool

Great for Swimming Laps . . . 

Or Just Playing

Dive Into Adventure with the Lovely Deanna Durbin!

Judy Garland Works It Out

Judy Garland
“Somebody told me I work as if I have only ten minutes left in which to do everything.”

(Source: Movieland; February 1955)

Are Keefe and His Wife Separating?

Keefe Brasselle, Ray Anthony and Norma Jean Aldrich at the Ciro's

Keefe Brasselle

Is keeping those separation rumors quiet by taking his wife along with him on the road of personal appearances. Although “The Eddie Cantor Story” didn’t do much for Keefe, don’t count him out of movies. He’s in there pitching every minute of the day and with such persistence, luck is bound to fall his way.

(Source: Movieland; February 1955)

Keefe Brasselle and Arlene DeMarco

Keefe Brasselle was married twice. First from December 18, 1942 until December 6, 1956 to Norma Jean Aldrich (which the above gossip refers to). Keefe was married to Arlene DeMarco of the DeMarco Sisters singers from December 23, 1956 to 1967.

Doris Takes Over for Lana and Ava

Doris Day
Will have sixteen numbers to sing in “Love Me or Leave Me” – enough to please the most ardent Day fans. This picture has a strange history. Both Lana Turner and Ava Gardner turned it down. Doris took it for a reported $200,000. Cameron Mitchell, who was borrowed by MGM for the film, says it has one of the best scripts he’s ever read.

(Source: Movieland; February 1955)

I've never seen this film about singer trying to get away from the gangster who made her a star. Lucky for me, it's appearing on TCM next Friday April 22, 2011 at 8:45 am est. Can't beat James Cagney and of course the wonderful Doris Day so I might have to check it out.

Pot O' Gold's Debut "Actress"

"Comes the sequel: Not many moons ago, a haughty New Yawk matron bought a package of needles in a department store, and ordered them delivered to her Long Island home. Now comes the wife of a well-known bandleader in Movietown, who wangles herself a screen debut in James Roosevelt's Pot O' Gold production. The lady spent 350 iron men for her wardrobe and screen guild card, then she asked for a stand-in, and got the gal who serves none other than Roz Russell. When Mrs. Bandleader's big moment came, she had a one-word line in a scene. Asked a question, she said "yes". Simply that and nothing more. Only thing she missed was a retake. And she might have wangled that if she'd muffed the line and said, "no"." (Film Fun, 1941)

Which Star's Name Sounds Like a State?

This star is enjoying a swim. I could use one in this toasty weather. Hate the humidity. So for today, here's the tough question from Film Fun 1941:

What star's first name sounds like the last part of a Midwestern state?

What 100 Want Most in 1956 - Dale Evans and Roy Rogers

I read on one of my new favorite blogs, Thrilling Days of Yesteryear, about the Dale Evans/Roy Rogers Museum sale at Christies. You can buy anything from the This is Your Life book, cement hand and hoofprint slab, a Clark Gable director's chair, and even the beloved Trigger, Trigger Jr, and Buttermilk. Too bad I don't have a few grand to spare. I just hope the items, especially the animals, go to a good home.

Dale Evans (October 31, 1912 - February 7, 2001) and Roy Rogers (November 5. 1911 - July 6, 1998). These beloved Western stars were married from December 31, 1947 until Roy's death.

Dale Evans on Roy: "We hit it off together because he's so much like my brother. I mean, Roy's like I am, and that's it."

Roy Rogers: "When I die, just skin me out and put me up on old Trigger and I'll be happy"

What did the two wish for in 1956?:



"Dale and I have discovered the greatness of religion and we want to share that experience with all mankind. Another project we want to promote is safety on the highways."



A bit of trivia: Dale Evans wrote the beloved spiritual The Bible Tells Me So

"My main objective, outside of TV, is to get back into movies with both boots. Dale enjoys film work and will continue with it unless it interferes in the proper care of our children."

"As citizens we desire most a complete alertness and awareness of the good to be done and the time out to do our share."

Happy Birthday to one of my favs - Phil Harris!

Happy 106th Birthday to my favorite:

Wonga Phil Harris!

Whenever you need a laugh, Phil Harris always fits the bill

He and Dean Martin always had hilarious encounters

One of my favorite Phil Harris quotes: "I can't die until the government finds a safe place to bury my liver."

I adore Phil Harris on the radio in the Jack Benny Program and of coarse, The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show. You can't be sad after listening to Phil. So full of life, fun, and hilarious. Happy Birthday Phil!

What 100 Stars Want in 1956 - Peggy Lee

The stunning Peggy Lee (May 26, 1920 - January 21, 2002) was a fabulous songstress. Although she had a lengthy musical career, I know her best from her work on the Disney classic, Lady and the Tramp. Born Norma Delores Egstrom, she decided to become a singer at age 14, she penned many well known songs including the smash hit "Fever". What did Peggy Lee wish for in 1956?

"Personally, I'd like to limit my night-club engagements next year so I can stay home more with my daughter."

"I'd like my own regular TV show in 1956 and I want to do a picture now and then - like Pete Kelly's Blues." - Peggy has 13 credits as an actress but no films after 1955 and she did not get her own TV show.

"I wish they'd pass stricter humane laws to protect animals" - Very timely since I'm watching the AKC Dog Show right now. Go terriers!

What 100 Stars Want in 1956 - Frankie Laine

What can one say about Frankie Laine? Had one hell of a voice. You may not think you have heard of him, but anyone who has seen or heard the Rawhide theme song, has heard Frankie Laine.

Frankie Laine was born born Francesco Paolo LoVecchio in Chicago, Illinois on March 30, 1913. He passed away on February 6, 2007.

Frankie had a fantastic voice.

Not exactly sure how he got "roped" into being associated so much with westerns, but pop culture can be funny that way. What were Frankie's 1956 wishes?

"Personally, I wish that my whole family - as well as myself - would keep healthy. I want this for all who are close to me."

"Professionally, I hope our TV show will be as successful as the eight weeks we have just completed. I also want to do more movies" - Frankie had a TV show, The Frankie Laine Hour in 1950, The Frankie Laine Show from 1954-1955, and Frankie Laine Time 1955-1956. He made seven films - two in 1956 - He Laughed Last for Columbia and Meet Me in Las Vegas for MGM.

"As a local citizen, I'd like to get rid of the smog. Nationally, I'd like to see communism whipped."

I love this pic. Frankie seemed like a fun guy!